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February 15, 2013

Fire victim’s death ruled a homicide

By Jessica Bruha The Norman Transcript

NORMAN — The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed Thursday that the victim found in a Norman house fire Wednesday died as a result of a gunshot wound.

Fifty-one-year-old Patrick D. Burton’s death is being ruled as a homicide, police said. Burton was a resident of the home at 619 Villa Drive along with his mother, Tina Burton.

Police confirmed that Tina Burton was out of town when the incident took place.

Investigators believe someone drove Burton’s truck from the scene.

The vehicle is described as a white 2004 extended cab Chevrolet pickup truck bearing Oklahoma tag 088AXI. The truck has white, louvered taillight covers, white, louvered covers over the rear side windows, a NASCAR license plate on the front bumper, a cow bell hanging from the rear bumper and a hard, white bed cover.

Anyone who sees the truck is asked to notify local law enforcement immediately.

Norman firefighters responded to a structure fire call at the residence around 11 a.m. Wednesday.

Deputy Fire Chief Jim Bailey said when firefighters arrived, heavy smoke was coming from a roof vent.

The fire was put out within 10 to 15 minutes.

After extinguishing the fire, they found Burton, with thermal burns, lying near a bedroom.

The family’s dog, Jake, also was discovered deceased in the home.

Jessica Bruha

366-3540

jbruha@normantranscript.com

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